Meba catches commercial airlines attention

Emirates and Etihad Airways will make a debut at this year’s Middle East Business Aviation (Meba) – a key aviation event focused on private air travel – along with Qatar Executive and Saudia Private Aviation.

The event will be held at the new purpose-built Dubai Airshow site at Dubai World Central (DWC) from December 8 to 10.

Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (Mebaa), said: “We are seeing a spike in the growth of the private business aviation market across the region. When big, game-changing players like Emirates and Etihad get involved, you know things are going to get interesting.”

Emirates Executive will be showcasing its Airbus A319 among the Meba static display. The A319 seats 19, and sleeps 15 (with 10 private suites), and has a maximum range of 7,000 km. Emirates offering also includes its in-flight entertainment, live TV, video conferencing facilities and high-speed internet and mobile phone connectivity.

Qatar Executive will take the opportunity to showcase its new Bombardier Global 5000 Vision, which features an elegant two cabin configuration with a separate galley, allowing discrete service and maximum comfort for up to 13 passengers.

Etihad Airways has been increasing its first class offerings recently, and has demonstrated its ability to appeal to the luxury market with this year’s launch of “The Residences” three-room suites on its new Airbus A380s. The new aircraft will enter service between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow on December 27. – TradeArabia News Service